March manufacturing in Georgia continued to show strength in both future growth and employment.

The measure used to determine the current status of manufacturing is the Georgia Purchasing Manager’s Index. Last month this indicator rose 6.6 points to 61.8. Any number above 50 indicates a growing sector.

“March’s strong jump in new orders and employment were a surprise. These numbers confirm a stronger up-trend, but higher than anticipated,” said Donald Sabbarese, director of the Econometric Center at Kennesaw State University where the index is compiled. “It’s not clear that these numbers are sustainable, but for now, they are impressive.”